U.K. terror plot brings heightened security to P.G.I.A.

They say that when Uncle Sam sneezes, Belize catches a cold. Well, this morning the world’s only superpower was nearly hit by the virus of terrorism … and within hours those travelling to and from Belize were stricken by acute air sickness. Today I headed out to the Philip Goldson International Airport to find out how new security regulations were affecting traffic in and out of the country.

Jacqueline Godwin, Reporting
Today there was heightened security at the Phillip Goldson International Airport following a directive from the transportation Security Administration of the U.S. Department Homeland Security to all airlines travelling to the United States.

Gilberto Torres, Operations Officer, Aviation Security
?There were reports of an incident arising all the way from Europe. It was some sort of mischievous act to be committed aboard an airlines, which is under heavy investigation at this time. The T.S.A. immediately issued to the airlines and consequently all flights going from Belize to the U.S.A. are now in receipt of this directive, and hence enforcing the directive.?

Because the terrorist threat involved the use of liquid explosives, all passengers now travelling to the United States are not allowed to carry certain items onboard the aircraft.
This morning many people who were unaware of the restrictions were relieved of their personal toiletries found in their carry on luggage as they went through the security check point.

Restricted items include beverages, shampoo, suntan lotion, creams, toothpaste, hair gel nail polish, perfume, bottled water and other items of similar consistency that can now only be taken in checked baggage. Passengers however are allowed carry on baby foods, and juices, as well as prescription and essential non prescription medicines.

The increased security caused delays worldwide and for those arriving in Belize it was quite an experience as the new security measures came into effect at their respective departure.

Venice Saul, Incoming Passenger, Miami International
?A little bit crazy not too traumatic. But a tiny bit scary because the security people were all over the place. The federal police and so on ? and more dogs than usual. The security checks were more intense.?

Roy Ellis, Incoming passenger, Washington D.C.
?Security was very hectic because they just kind of picked up about it in Washington D.C. about four thirty this morning, and that created?you knew it would be like a domino effect.?

Pauline Romero, Incoming passenger, Miami International
?The security was very tight. We were advised to take out all gels, liquids and everything that you are travelling with out of your carry-ons you can?t take those with you. Some Belizeans told me that they actually got stuff taken away from them because they were not aware of the threat. I myself was not aware of the threat.?

Roy Ellis
?I could not even buy my duty free. Because you know once you get into Miami you usually get your Hennesy or your Johnny Walker Black, but we couldn?t purchase that. The only thing we were allowed to purchase was a watch or something like that. But anything with liquid that was definitely a no no.?

Venice Saul
?We couldn?t take any kind of liquid on board. You had to put it in your suitcase and if you missed information then you lost lotions, toothpaste, perfume and any kind of liquid.?

Jacqueline Godwin
?Was anything taken from you??

Venice Saul
?Oh yes, because I caught on late. So as I was going through security they took everything.?

While American Airlines Local manager Luis Alpuche declined to speak to News Five about the measures taken by his company Delta Airlines Customer Agent Camile Gotoy says they are making sure their passengers are well informed and advise them to check in earlier than their usual time of two hours prior to departure..

Camile Gotoy, Customer Agent
?That would be very good that they come in very early. It would cause that we would not have any kind of delays. So that they have everything ready and taken out and that would be good. We would ask them to come in earlier.?

Aviation Security operations officer Gilberto Torres say at this time they are not certain how long the restrictions will remain in place but are presently looking at the effect the measures have on the duty free shops.

Gilberto Torres
?As we speak we maintain continuous contact with the T.S.A. There is a representative in Miami that is gentleman that is responsible for the Latin America, and Belize of course. As we speak, we will be meeting again tomorrow to find out if there has been any more developments.?

Passengers are advised to exercise patience as there may be delays. However the travellers say they have mixed feelings about the new measures.

Venice Saul
?On the one hand it makes me feel safer, but on the other hand it?s quite a bit of nuisance, because it interferes with everything. But I suppose security is first and foremost.?

Pauline Romero
?I believe that is very important for safety in this country, because we don?t know who can be targeted. This is a worldwide problem, and I just hope that it won?t escalate into problems internationally.?

Roy Ellis
?You just kind of follow guidelines that is very important. Because if everybody followed guidelines then the lines would speed up and then they wouldn?t hassle you.?

Gilberto Torres
?It?s is something unfortunately that we have to live with until the threat minimizes.?

Jacqueline Godwin
?So passengers shouldn?t expect delays??

Gilberto Torres
?Of course. They are asked to be more patient, to be on time and to be on an earlier time at the airport.?

Aside from the slower lines, the new security measures also resulted in some delays in flight arrivals and departures.